When Jaime contacted me to book her family photo session, she immediately let me know that he son, Teddy, has autism. She explained that he does not typically like to make eye contact and she wondered if we could focus on some candid moments as opposed to a more traditional portrait style. I was so pleased with Jaime’s openness about their needs for their session. I am always happy to accommodate my clients needs. It is so helpful to have a plan and to have expectations set in a way that creates the most successful outcome.
Lily and Rose were so much fun to work with! These two are a perfect match. Rose is still a young pup and she was full of energy. We definitely worked hard to get her to look at the camera but I am really happy with the cute interactions I got to document between Lily and Rose.
“Infertility has challenged us in many ways, but the main life lesson that has come from our struggle is that we can’t always plan things that happen in our lives. We had a plan and an image of how our life would play out and when we would have kids, but we had to let go and realize that sometimes it doesn’t matter what plans you have. Things happen when they are supposed to happen. We found more peace when we let go and let life happen.”
I wanted to share a few images from the large family group I photographed earlier this month. The Fankhouser family had members come to Toledo from all over the country: Texas, Atlanta, Chicago and more. Hundreds of miles were traveled so that they could celebrate the holiday together. They decided that the rarity of the whole group being together merited professional documentation. The Fankhouser family included five children, fourteen grandchildren, and one proud patriarch. What an amazing legacy.
Danielle contacted me about having some photos done of her and her dog, King. Danielle struggles with some really tough physical and mental health issues. She told me how King has stepped up to assist her in so many ways. King steps in when she has panic attacks and helps to snap Danielle out of the anxiety. He also helps to remind her to take her medication and he is by her side every moment of her day. King was genetically tested and it turns out he is part pit bull and part bull mastiff. He definitely got the size and looks more from his pit bull genes but some of his personality really did reflect the mastiff side. King is loyal and would give his life to protect his family.
Watching siblings play and interact at family photo sessions is always interesting. Some siblings tease, some wrestle, some even argue. I never expect kids to be perfectly behaved. Often, the adults struggle to listen to directions themselves. Not everyone feels comfortable and confident in front of a camera. That is ok. I make every effort to create a lighthearted and comfortable experience for all my clients. Sometimes, that means tossing the plan and trying something different.
We have had a special promotion running this month! February has been deemed FLUFF-uary! The whole month has been focusing on pets and animals! I have decided to give away a pet photography session to one lucky winner! All entrants were required to post their pet with a brief bio on our Facebook page. Now how do they win? You get to be involved in choosing the winner! Read through this article and pick your favorite fluffy entry. Fill out the form at the bottom with your choice's number to cast your vote! Entrant with the most votes wins!
Fall leaves were really showing and the whole area was full of golden colors. Unfortunately the day we scheduled happened to be one of the colder days of October. The girls were not excited to take their coats off. Luckily, Jay stepped in to be the hero of the day. He played fun games with the girls to keep them distracted from the cold. He was positive and upbeat and the girls fed off of his energy. Cassandra and Jay make family one of their highest priorities and it shows in their relationships with their daughters.
Fall was just at its peak at the Toledo Botanical Garden when we met for these portraits in November. The boys were quick to smile and help their sister have a good time too. I love seeing siblings interact with each other. Toward the end of the session we let lose and played in the leaves. Elaina did not seem super impressed, but the boys loved it.
Wildwood Metropark was a perfect choice for this summer day. Teresa said that they DID NOT coordinate their outfits, but look how they all chose complimenting neutral tones. The Rice family is very laid back and they preferred not to make their portraits too formal. My goal as a Toledo family photographer is to make my client’s photos as genuine and comfortable as possible. I love to learn about each person’s goals and concerns regarding their session. Learn a little more about the Rice family.
During the session, Ted was about eaten alive by mosquitos but he played it cool and you would never know. Brinley loved exploring the park and walking with her daddy. We got to capture some really cute moments of these four interacting together. Secor Metropark is a place I have not shot at in a while. Since moving back to Sylvania, I am really enjoying exploring this park. It was the perfect location for this family session.
There are numerous things to consider when thinking about what to wear for your family pictures. Colors, patterns and styles are all part of the, don't mind my pun, picture, but don't just think about the externals, think about your family as a whole and what they are going to feel comfortable standing in front of the camera in. Some people have a hard enough time getting their picture taken and feel totally awkward in front of the lens, but then add to that trying to make them wear clothing that is not their style or color preference and the smiles are not going to be very natural.
"Family is family, whether it's the one you start out with, the one you end up with, or the family you gain along the way." One of my favorite things about working with families is that I get to see the diversity of what family looks like for each one of my clients. For some, family is just two. For others, family is furry. Some have big families, small families, blended families, single parent families. Some are family by blood, some family by choice. I enjoy celebrating all types of family!
We have had a special promotion running this month! February has been deemed FLUFF-uary! The whole month has been focusing on pets! I have decided to give away a pet photography session to one lucky winner! All entrants were required to post their pet with a brief bio on our Facebook page. Now how do they win? You get to be involved in choosing the winner! Read through this article and pick your favorite fluffy entry.
In the same article, Alexandra Horowitz proposes that there might not be a scientific explanation, "More than anything, I suspect that the very sensation of snow on the body is engaging for dogs. Have you ever run through the shallow waves of the sea? Why does kicking up sand and seawater make us happy? I can't say. But it is clear that it does."
Kerri and her husband, Jordan, are expecting their first child this Christmas! They are very excited about welcoming this little girl into their lives. Kerri and Jordan are some of the most generous and loving people I know and I am positive that they will show their baby all the magical things life has to offer.
Jay and Cassandra were attending the fundraiser and placed the winning bid on my photo session! Jay introduced himself to me and explained they were hoping to have family photos done in the fall as it is such a nice time of year. Jay and Cassandra have three young daughters and were looking forward to updating their family portraits!
Jennifer proposed that we exchange portrait sessions and I just had to say yes! She and her husband, Jeremy, have a spaniel mix named Lucy. Lucy is an important part of their family so had to be included in their photos. My husband and I also brought our dog, Beatrice, who is a mastiff mix. Despite the size difference, Bea and Lucy got along perfectly. They both posed... kind of... and mostly paid attention to our directions. We got many precious shots of both of our little families!
Autumn is nearly upon us. I have seen memes flooding the internet, counting the days to cooler weather, crunchy leaves, trick-or-treat, and, of course, the return of pumpkin spice EVERYTHING. People in the midwest really love the Fall!
I always ask my clients how they feel in front of the camera before I start a photography shoot. Are you nervous? Are you comfortable? This helps me to know how to lead their session and how to help them enjoy their experience.
